Dear friends💜,
I hope this finds you enjoying some peace today soaking in the last of “summer” before we plunge into the busy, often exhausting season that September brings—with new school years, agendas, and programming.
Light-filled, relaxing days are slowly waning, and I feel the pull of the earth’s energy—the anticipation and hurried preparation for the harvest. Last weekend, I hosted my first Vocal Empowerment overnight retreat at Prairiewoods Spirituality Center. It was an INCREDIBLE weekend (a few of you were there💜—thank you!) and I am so grateful. What a harvest and a full-circle moment for me, as my spiritual directors and the “awakening energy group” at Prairiewoods have helped shape and support my journey and mission for over three years. In fact, I will be offering a full weekend retreat Feb. 27–March 1, 2026, and I would love to have you join me!
As we explored our voices—learning about what they can do, reflecting on the messages the world sends us about them, and gently humming and chanting to meditate and sing with the angels—we opened the windows, and the sounds of nature sang right along with us. I just can’t explain the magic.
I am again struck by how powerful our voices really are. Of all our tools for connection in this world, our voices come from deep in our core and reach outward to those we encounter every day. Usually visual connection comes first, then vocal, then—sometimes—through touch in intimate moments. But the voice is used most widely and is our primary tool not only for sharing, but also in the unending vie for power.
I have also been thinking about the fear and terror associated with sharing our voices with the world. I feel this fear and anxiety every time I speak or sing to a public group, share a performance video online, audition…the list goes on. Yes—even professional singers get nervous! Where does this fear come from?
As we sat last weekend around a campfire, sharing stories and singing good old campfire songs, we were reminded of the powerful, glowing embers of vocal connection. Humans have gathered in the evenings around firelight for longer than we can know. Today, that fire has largely been replaced by the glow of the screen, and with it, our opportunities for deep connection continue to fade, replaced by more distant—visual and often polarized—interactions. How often do we chat on the phone with someone who isn’t family or a close friend?
Yet, we are LONGING for connection. Humans are hardwired for it because our survival depends on it. Rejection and disapproval are also hardwired into us, triggering the fight-or-flight response—because once, survival depended on inclusion in the community. Exile was life-threatening. And our voices, such powerful tools for connection, are also our most vulnerable. We are still terrified of saying the wrong thing and being excluded.
But as I always say: our greatest weakness is our superpower! “What if we gather together—and dare to bare our souls? Our voices rising in chorus with power to change the world!” (lyrics from my song Gathering).
This is the core of my mission! I just put out a video about me and my work, and I hope you will check it out here!
It truly feels like a harvest season for me. As I have grown in my journey and learned to rely on my intuition and inner light to guide me, I can't quite pinpoint exactly what I am doing and what it means. Usually after following what it feels like I should do next, the mental understanding and deeper truth reveals itself to me.
That’s exactly what happened when I released my first album on March 23rd. I needed to put my own messages of healing into the world in order to discover the next level of my own healing journey. I’ve learned that manifestation cannot come from agendas, mental force, or sheer stamina—it must come from trust. Trust not only in the world around me, but most importantly in myself and the unique, valid journey I am on.
And so, to honor this healing path and the power of our voices to change the world, I will be releasing a magical music video of my song Gathering—created by the incredible Ian Bennett—on September 23rd at 9pm, celebrating the six-month anniversary of my album Rising Free. I hope you’ll join me for the instant premiere!
In the weeks leading up to September 23rd, I’ll be sharing more about its meaning and creation on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s the video link you can save💜
This month, I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you in the studio and in classes if you’re local (see offerings below). I’ll also be traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains to create a collaborative music video for world peace, and I’m working on the final draft of my poetry book The Light Between the Lines, which I hope to self-publish by Thanksgiving. After that, I’ll be diving into my next album project. :)
I would love to come to your community and share my music and offerings. If you know a community or church that might be interested in my work, I would be so grateful if you might share this link to my portfolio and encourage them to reach out to me:
Mary Jane Knight EPK: bit.ly/4mIhmzc
And as always, feel free to reply to this email: I'd love to hear what's going on in your life! I am sending you so much light and love as we begin together this season of gathering, learning, and harvesting 💜🔥,
Iowa Local Opportunities!
If you're local to the Iowa City area, our next Voices of Healing Singing Circle will gather this Sunday —September 7th!
I’d love to have you join us on Sunday morning!
Please register below so I know how many to prepare for—and if finances are tight, just use the code BEMYGUEST.
Knightingale Voice Studio is back in full swing! I’m offering individual sessions, packages, and—new this year—the option to reserve a dedicated weekly time slot. If you'd like a consistent spot in the schedule, be sure to reach out soon!
Important Dates to Note!
Sunday Dec. 7th 7pm-Studio Concert @ Riverside
Saturday Jan. 3rd 6pm-Sing Along Christmas Party @ Knights
Sunday May 3rd 7pm-Studio Concert @ Riverside
I’d also love to invite you to our very first Singing Playground Class on September 28th at 5pm! This will be a workshop-style class where we’ll sing together as a group, and then open the space for those who’d like to share a solo and receive supportive feedback. Singing in community is magic!!
Community is such a powerful part of the learning process, and this is a beautiful opportunity to grow, share, and explore your voice in a safe and encouraging space. Sign up now to join us!
This Fall, I’m offering just one 6-week session of Let Your Voice Be Heard, my beginner singing class for adults—starting at the beginning of October.
Anyone can learn to sing! In this small group course, we’ll explore breath, sound, and technique in a fun, supportive space. You’ll learn to project without tension and sing together—no solos required, and no experience or music reading needed.
I’d love to have you join, and feel free to spread the word!
As always, please reach out with any questions!
💜Mj
